Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, strives to create a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Embracing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences not only enriches our work environment but also drives innovation, creativity, and success. As part of our commitment to DEI, Aurora has several employee resource groups (ERGs) that celebrate diversity and offer platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and create a supportive network that fosters professional and personal growth.

Aurora’s eight ERGs (two newly added this year) are local, employee-run chapters of similar employee resource groups at Boeing. Throughout 2023, these groups led a variety of events and brought employees together through community engagement, professional development, and DEI initiatives. Learn more about these ERGs and see a snapshot of this year’s activities below.

Boeing Asian Professional Association (BAPA)

Our chapter of BAPA is focused on highlighting the diverse cultures within Asian communities through interactive presentations, culinary exploration, and outreach opportunities. This year’s top events included a lunch-and-learn event discussing mental health issues in the Asian community; a “Japan snack attack,” which gave employees a taste of Asian food and culture; and a lunch and Diya decorating activity in celebration of Diwali.

Boeing Black Employees Association (BBEA)

Aurora’s BBEA chapter envisions a workforce at all levels that is reflective of the communities where we live and work. To realize this vision, members of BBEA cultivate an environment that promotes awareness and inclusion of the Black community through four pillars: talent engagement, professional development, business alignment, and community involvement.

Highlights of BBEA’s activities this year included recruiting at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) convention, sponsoring a company-wide celebration for Juneteenth, spearheading the company’s back-to-school backpack drive in September, and hosting middle school students on-site to celebrate National STEM Day.

Boeing Employee Accessibility and Advocacy Association (BEAAA)

BEAAA’s mission is to engender and serve the community of persons with disabilities through inclusivity and support. The group raises awareness across the company to promote ability diversity consistent with Aurora’s values and business objectives.

This year, BEAAA celebrated the 33^rd anniversary of the American Disability Act (ADA) by hosting a lunch-and-learn event available to all employees. The group also held a watch party of the movie Crip Camp to highlight the life and contributions of disability activist Judy Heumann. On December 6, BEAAA will commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting a panel discussion titled “Lessons of the Jianjian.”

Boeing Employees Pride Alliance (BEPA)

At Aurora, BEPA’s mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ employees are accepted, respected, and acknowledged for their contributions and empowered to reach their potential. Employees motivate, mentor, and coach each other in both personal and professional development.

This year, BEPA sponsored a number of activities across Aurora sites, including a guest speaker and drag performance for National Coming Out Day; a variety of educational outreach events; and attendance at several Pride Month activities both in the U.S. and at our Aurora Swiss Aerospace office.

Boeing Familia

Our Boeing Familia ERG is dedicated driving excellence in multicultural leadership by inspiring, developing, and connecting those of Hispanic/Latino descent through collaboration and community. This year, Familia hosted a company-wide celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, sponsored a “guac-off” culinary competition, organized tours of the National Air and Space Museum to promote cultural awareness, and hosted a robotics showcase for high school students local to Aurora’s headquarters in Virgnia.

Boeing Generation to Generation (BG2G)

BG2G is a new ERG at Aurora, and while specific events are still in the planning stage, the group’s vision and mission are clear. BG2G aims to become a generationally inclusive network that seeks out diverse perspectives from all ages and creates a lasting legacy. BG2G leverages the strengths and insights from employees of all generations to drive leadership, knowledge sharing, and innovation. In October, BG2G kickstarted their employee engagement by joining with Aurora’s chapter of Boeing Women Inspiring Leadership (BWIL) to promote Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Months with events at every Aurora site.

Boeing Veteran Engagement Team (BVET)

Aurora’s Boeing Veteran Engagement Team (BVET) is dedicated to serving and honoring all veterans, current service members, and military families. The group connects veterans across the enterprise and provides essential resources, mentorship and support for veterans and their families.

BVET activities this year included a family baseball game at Mississippi State University; a golf scramble where more than 100 employees had the opportunity to learn more about Veteran awareness activities; and a back-to-school backpack drive where employees donated school supplies for local schools. BVET also sponsors a site-wide Veterans Day ceremony every year to honor all veterans.

Boeing Women in Leadership (BWIL)

BWIL’s goal is to provide avenues for networking, personal and professional development, mentoring, coaching, community involvement, and leadership opportunities to develop a strong network of women as future leaders at Aurora.

This year, BWIL held the fifth and largest iteration of our mentorship program, matching 140 employees for mentor/mentee relationships. On International Women’s Day, the group hosted a virtual panel that gathered executives and leaders to discuss operationalizing diversity at every level. BWIL has also participated in site tours of Aurora facilities and the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum to promote industry awareness and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Aurora’s ERGs promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the company by facilitating a wide range of events and initiatives that celebrate our differences and unite us as a strong, inclusive community. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging among all employees, and ERGs play a crucial role in making that commitment a reality. We look forward to continued collaboration and growth as we work to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future at Aurora.

ABOUT AURORA FLIGHT SCIENCES

Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, advances the future of flight by developing and applying innovations across aircraft configurations, autonomous systems, propulsion technologies, and manufacturing processes. With a passionate and agile team, Aurora delivers solutions to its customers’ toughest challenges while meeting high standards of safety and quality. Learn more at www.aurora.aero

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